Choosing the perfect formal hairstyle can be tricky. Your formal hairstyle should look sophisticated rather than dated or aging. When attending a formal event such as a dance or prom, it is important to choose your hairstyle up to several weeks in advance to avoid any last-minute problems. From chic buns to bouncy curls, there are lots of formal hairstyles that look elegant and are easy to achieve at home.
Loose Curls
Loose curls or waves work on almost any length hair; even shorter hair can be flicked outwards at the ends for a new look. Take two-inch sections of hair, spray with a heat protection spray and wrap the strand around a curling iron. Roll your curling iron halfway up the strand for wavy ends. Alternatively, roll your iron close to your scalp for full all-over curls. Use a bobby pin to keep bangs away from your face, or add a sparkly hair slide for a glamorous finished result. Use a flexible hold hairspray that will keep curls intact without making hair stiff.
Looped Bun
A looped bun is a simple and elegant style that is easy to achieve yourself. Begin by putting your hair into a mid-height ponytail. Section your ponytail into four equal-sized strands. Wrap each strand around your finger to form a loop, and pin in position using bobby pins. Repeat the process on each strand to create a looped bun effect. Add a roller to side-swept bangs to give a fuller and more dramatic effect to the front of your hairstyle.
Braided Hair Band
If you prefer to wear your hair loose for formal events, a braided hair band will give your usual look an update appropriate for a formal occasion. Take a two-inch section of hair from behind one ear. Split the section into three pieces and begin to braid, taking more hair from along the hairline as you go. Continue braiding until you reach behind the opposite ear to form a braid that looks like a hair band. Secure the braid in position using a bobby pin, and leave the rest of your hair loose and flowing.
Side Bun
A side bun will complement a strapless or one-shouldered dress perfectly. Sweep all over your hair over to the side you would like to wear your bun. Secure in to a low ponytail using a hair wrap. Twist the length of the ponytail and wrap it around the hair wrap to form a bun. Pin your bun in position, and use the end of a comb to tease out strands to create a messy effect. Manipulate the bun with your fingers, and secure with more bobby pins until you are happy with the look.
Loose Curls
Loose curls or waves work on almost any length hair; even shorter hair can be flicked outwards at the ends for a new look. Take two-inch sections of hair, spray with a heat protection spray and wrap the strand around a curling iron. Roll your curling iron halfway up the strand for wavy ends. Alternatively, roll your iron close to your scalp for full all-over curls. Use a bobby pin to keep bangs away from your face, or add a sparkly hair slide for a glamorous finished result. Use a flexible hold hairspray that will keep curls intact without making hair stiff.
Looped Bun
A looped bun is a simple and elegant style that is easy to achieve yourself. Begin by putting your hair into a mid-height ponytail. Section your ponytail into four equal-sized strands. Wrap each strand around your finger to form a loop, and pin in position using bobby pins. Repeat the process on each strand to create a looped bun effect. Add a roller to side-swept bangs to give a fuller and more dramatic effect to the front of your hairstyle.
Braided Hair Band
If you prefer to wear your hair loose for formal events, a braided hair band will give your usual look an update appropriate for a formal occasion. Take a two-inch section of hair from behind one ear. Split the section into three pieces and begin to braid, taking more hair from along the hairline as you go. Continue braiding until you reach behind the opposite ear to form a braid that looks like a hair band. Secure the braid in position using a bobby pin, and leave the rest of your hair loose and flowing.
Side Bun
A side bun will complement a strapless or one-shouldered dress perfectly. Sweep all over your hair over to the side you would like to wear your bun. Secure in to a low ponytail using a hair wrap. Twist the length of the ponytail and wrap it around the hair wrap to form a bun. Pin your bun in position, and use the end of a comb to tease out strands to create a messy effect. Manipulate the bun with your fingers, and secure with more bobby pins until you are happy with the look.